WTB: Simple, cheap, mainly for snapshots DC

Redhed

Hey all,

I'm somewhat of an amateur photographer who is slowly trying to move up in the photo world. I have been through three digital cameras already - a Nikon 3100 (compact), a Canon SD-20 (ultra-compact), and my current camera is a new Kodak P850 (SLR-like). The Nikon barely works anymore, I lost the Canon, and the Kodak is much bigger than what I'm used to, but allows for more versatility.

So here's what I'm really posting for: I am looking to buy a compact or ultra-compact digital camera that I can use when I don't want to risk damaging my Kodak. As a college kid, I like to take pictures with my friends and bring a camera around in my purse for random snapshots--so I would like a smaller, simpler camera to take in place of my Kodak. I'd like at least 3mp, a zoom of some sort, flash, takes decent pics, known brand (no "funcam" or anything), small, and affordable.

I liked my Canon and my Nikon, so anything like those would be good. I would like to spend less than $100, preferably much less (note the "college kid" reference above and place "broke" before it). :oogle

Thanks!

DoctorIt

ok, you want a cheap and compact point and shoot digicam, right? but, uh, in your list of what you have, you said a Canon 20D, and you called it a "ultra-compact" and that you subsequently lost it? There's definitely a typo in there...

Canon 20D


Regardless, when looking for a point-and-shoot there are, in my opinion, 2 main things: price, and pocket-size/not necessarily pocket size. The latter just means that if you need it to be tiny, you sacrifice some glass quality. As in, for the same money, you can get better quality photos of a bigger camera... tyipcally.

So Redhead, what I'm saying is (as the flea market moderator type): please make it clear and simple as to what your looking for.

If you need advice, we've got a great gear forum

Redhed

Wow! Thanks! I guess I was just dreaming when I said "20D"...I meant Canon SD20! I'll go back and edit that now.

I thought I made it pretty clear as to what I was looking for...compact, but not terrible. It doesn't have to be professional quality or anything. I'd mainly use it for snapshots and posting to smugmug for friends and family to see. I'll use my Kodak for pictures that I actually want to look professional! I enjoyed my canon sd20...it took decent pictures, but it was still tiny. The only thing I missed in that camera was a zoom.

I'll be sure to get my facts straight next time!

ziggy53

Redhed,

The $100 (or much less) budget is pretty limiting. You are definitely talking the used market, and even then you may not get very much in the digital realm.

Have you checked www.Geeks.com?

They usually have some low-end cameras, and their refurbs are hard to beat, price wise.

ziggy53

ziggy53

Redhed,

You may be in luck. They list a not-too-bad 5MP Kodak for $89.

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=C315-R&cat=CAM

Good luck,

ziggy53

Red Bull

For $100, you won't be getting much. There are some nice cameras that aren't too expensive though. Have you looked at the Panasonic FX-series? The FX-8

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Panasonic/panasonic_dmcfx8.asp

It doesn't look like too bad of a camera. It's around the $250 range, but I'm sure you could get one a bit cheaper since there is now an FX9 out.

Redhed

ziggy53 wrote:

Redhed,

The $100 (or much less) budget is pretty limiting. You are definitely talking the used market, and even then you may not get very much in the digital realm.

Have you checked www.Geeks.com?

They usually have some low-end cameras, and their refurbs are hard to beat, price wise.

ziggy53

Thanks Ziggy! I'll check out that site right now!

Also...with my $100 budget, I'm DEFINITELY looking for used. I know I can't expect to find anything decent for $100 new. I was hoping someone here would have an old camera laying around somewhere that they don't use anymore...

DoctorIt

How do you feel about a Nikon Coolpix SQ?

Redhed

DoctorIt wrote:

How do you feel about a Nikon Coolpix SQ?

After reading some reviews noting bad image quality, I'm not so sure...it all depends how much the seller is asking for it! More info, please?

DoctorIt

I have one at home that I "gave" to MrsIt. She rarely uses it now that we have 2 dslr's, and I already have another pocket p&s for myself. but let me check on it tonight.

Redhed

Sounds great!

nrChris

DoctorIt wrote:

..."gave" to MrsIt....

We (especially Hannah) are miffed that you got married without even telling us. Shoot your own damn wedding!

-Chris

DoctorIt

nrChris wrote:

We (especially Hannah) are miffed that you got married without even telling us. Shoot your own damn wedding!

-Chris

Don't be offended, I didn't even tell T.



Redhed - totally spaced, I'll check on it tonight.

raian

I've gotten nice used stuff off of ubid.com. I got a decent Fuji FinePix. It sux at action shots but for just taking pictures it's pretty nice and easy to use. Be sure you read what you are buying. Mine was "refurbished" but honestly it appeared and operated like new.

DoctorIt

Redhed wrote:

Sounds great!

I checked on the SQ. You're right, the bad reputation it has for image quality makes it worth so little, that it doesn't make sense to sell. MrsIt likes the neat swivel design and size. I like the fact it uses CF. So, the puny amount of cash it'd bring wouldn't justify getting rid of it.

Sorry Red.

but a bump for your request. I'm sure you'll find something, if you haven't already.

Redhed

Thanks, DoctorIt! I'll keep searching....